Hello to all my wonderful readers,
This Fix It Friday, we’re diving into the world of healthy eating, specifically focusing on quick and nutritious meal prep for busy families like ours. In our busy lives, finding time to prep healthy foods can be a challenge. But fear not! I’ve gathered some simple hacks to make meal prep both manageable and enjoyable. Once you get into the groove of meal prep, it can become part of the regular routine.
Plan Ahead
The key to successful meal prep is planning. Dedicate a scheduled time each week to plan your meals. As a special needs mom, I live by routine. I highly encourage you to do the same. A schedule is healthy for you and your kids. Meal planning not only saves time during busy weekdays but also helps in making healthier food choices.
Batch Cooking
One of my favorite strategies is batch cooking. Prepare a large quantity of a versatile ingredient, like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, to use in different meals throughout the week. It’s a real time-saver!
Use Healthy Shortcuts
Don’t shy away from healthy shortcuts. Pre-cut vegetables, canned beans, and frozen fruits can be great allies in preparing nutritious meals quickly. I love convenience foods to cut down on time and energy in prep. I want to up the health factor as much as possible with minimal effort. I will often use these options to bulk up a meal and save time.
Involve Your Kids
Meal prep can be a fun family activity. Involve your children in washing veggies, mixing salads, or assembling their own lunchboxes. It’s a great way to teach them about healthy eating. Knowledge is power and chores are good for our kids. My kids set the table, help prep simple meals, choose their own snacks with guidance, and are learning mindfulness when it comes to eating. Healthy habits for life should start as early as they can to last a lifetime.
Simplify Snacks
Keep healthy snacks easily accessible. Fresh fruits, nuts, and yogurt are great options. Preparing snack-sized portions in advance can prevent the temptation of less healthy alternatives. I also don’t buy the junk foods that clog the cupboards and the arteries. If you don’t keep cookies in the house, you can’t over-indulge on them. Alternatively, I always have apples, yogurt, raisins, and other healthy snacks on hand. If we want sweets, we make them from scratch. Preparing sweets from scratch means we bake together, we think about what we want to eat, and we eat it mindfully and at appropriate times.
Embrace Slow Cooking
A slow cooker can be a busy parent’s best friend. You can prepare a variety of healthy dishes with minimal effort. You set it in the morning and come home to a ready meal! Just don’t forget to turn it on before you leave! But if you do, there is always the instant pot too! Gadgets make life easy!
Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and some clever hacks, you can nourish your family with delicious, healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
As always, my friends, enjoy the GLO!
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